Tacaogane

Illinois ghost towns cluster around the old lead district and the coal fields that fed Chicago.

Tacaogane is a former settlement possibly in Massac County or Pope County, Illinois, United States. It was shown on the 1684 map of Louisiana by Jean-Baptiste-Louis Franquelin. Franquelin places the settlement across the Ohio River from the mouths of the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, though the exact nature and location of the settlement is unknown. "Tacaogane" may be a corruption of an Iroquoian or Algonqian word referring to speakers of another language, though it is unclear which group this may refer to.

The on-the-ground condition of Tacaogane is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Tacaogane is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.